Class 9 Student Kills Hostel Mate In Ballari Rampage; Police Launch Search For Absconding Minor

BALLARI, KARNATAKA — A horrific incident of violence shook the Gurukul International School hostel in Ballari late Saturday night, March 7, 2026, leaving one 14-year-old student dead and eight others, including the hostel warden, injured. Police have launched an intensive search operation for the accused, a Class 9 student who allegedly went on a rampage before fleeing the scene.

1. The Midnight Assault

The incident unfolded between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM in the hostel dormitory after students had retired for the night.

• Weapon of Choice: According to Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D. Pannaker, the accused used a metal rod detached from a hostel bed to carry out the assault.
• The Victims: The deceased has been identified as Hemanth (14), a student from Adavani, Andhra Pradesh. His body has been moved to VIMS, Ballari for a post-mortem.
• Injuries: Eight people were struck during the episode. While five have been discharged, the hostel warden and one minor remain under medical supervision. The student even attacked a driver who attempted to intervene.

2. Police Investigation and Legal Action

Inspector General of Police (Ballari Range) PS Harsha visited the school and the injured students on Saturday night.

• The Charges: A case has been registered at the Brucepet Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections for murder (103) and attempt to murder (109).
• Management Under Scrutiny: The investigation will examine potential negligence by the school administration. Forensic teams have already collected blood samples and the weapon from the dormitory.

3. A “Quiet Boy”: School and Parents React

The motive for the sudden outburst remains a mystery to the school staff.

• School’s Defense: School Chairman Govinda described the accused—a boy from a family of agricultural workers in Gonalu—as a “quiet student” with no history of violence. “He used to regularly play cricket… we are unable to understand why such an incident occurred,” he told reporters.
• Parents’ Anguish: Hemanth’s father, Lakshmikant, questioned the lack of security within the hostel. “How is it possible for one boy to attack so many students so brutally?” the family asked, alleging that the administration must be held accountable.